0936 CZECH REPUBLIC (South Bohemia) - Historic Centre of Český Krumlov (UNESCO WHS)

Named Český Krumlov (Bohemian Crumlaw) to differentiate it from Moravský Krumlov (Moravian Crumlaw), this small city situated on the banks of the Vltava river was built around a 13th century castle with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements and, because is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

The oldest documentary record of 1253 refers to the existence there of a castle belonging to a member of the ruling Vitkovici family of south Bohemia. The core of the castle (Hradek) dates from the 13th century, and settlement developed to the east (Latrán) and also on the opposite bank, in the meander of the Vltava River, round a central square. Later, the Gothic castle was reconstructed in Renaissance style. The town has a regular street layout, with streets radiating out from the central square and a circular intra-rampart road. Its wealth of yesteryear is reflected in the high quality of many of the burgher houses, notable for their facades, internal layouts and decorative detail. There was also considerable ecclesiastical development, illustrated by the major 15th century church of St Vitus and monasteries of various orders. The town later passed to the equally influential Schwarzenberg family, and it retained its importance well into the 19th century.

About the stamp
This stamp is part of a set belonging of a large series named Works of Art on Postage Stamps, issued by Česká pošta over several years.

Issued on 27.11.2013
• Giovanni Battista Piranesi (1720-1778) - A View of Roman Churches, 1762; National Gallery in Prague (25 CZK) - it's on the postcard
• Bohuslav Reynek (1892-1971) - Still life with the author, 1955; the Fine Art Gallery in Havlíčkův Brod (30 CZK)
• Max Švabinský (1873-1962) - Round portrait, 1897; the National Gallery in Prague (35 CZK)

Issued on 17.06.1998
• František Kupka (1871-1957) - Amorpha - Fugue in Two Colors, 1912; the National Gallery in Prague (22 CZK) - it's on other postcard

Issued on 15.12.1993
• Bohemian Master - Strahovská madona, 1350 (9 CZK) - it's on other postcard

References
Český Krumlov - Wikipedia
Historic Centre of Český Krumlov - UNESCO official website

sender: Ondrej Surový (direct swap)
sent from Prague (Prague / Czech Republic), on 17.12.2013
photo: Libor Svacek